Johannes Eckerström Reflects on Avatar’s 10th Album, “Don’t Go In the Forest”

Johannes Eckerström, the charismatic frontman of Avatar, recently joined Loudwire Nights on October 30 to discuss the band’s upcoming 10th studio album, “Don’t Go In the Forest.” During the conversation with host Chuck Armstrong, Eckerström delved into the emotional weight of releasing new music and the significance of this milestone for the band.

The Emotional Journey of Album Release

Eckerström expressed that releasing an album is not just a promotional event but a deeply personal experience. “You write things, it’s deeply personal every time,” he noted. “Even when it’s not personal, it’s personal. This is meant to be shared, this is meant for interaction, this is meant for interpretation.” The act of releasing an album carries a dual meaning for him: it is both a celebration and a process of letting go.

Significance of the 10th Album

The frontman acknowledged that he hadn’t initially considered the weight of “Don’t Go In the Forest” being Avatar’s 10th album. However, as the release date approached, he found himself reflecting on its importance. Eckerström stated, “No other album exists before it and, more importantly, there’s no album after it. It’s the last album. Every album has been the last album — if you had one more album to record, what do you really want to do now?” This perspective emphasizes the unique connection the band has with each project.

The Joy of Letting Go

As “Don’t Go In the Forest” becomes available to fans, Eckerström shared his anticipation for the relief that comes with letting go of the creative process. “The word ‘release’ as an album release has that meaning of also letting go,” he explained. “Starting to talk about it, making it real — the fact that people who aren’t in our bubble have heard it and say, ‘I like this song’… there’s absolutely something to it.”

Looking Ahead to Future Creativity

With the new album out, Eckerström is excited about the prospect of having some downtime from songwriting. “As far as the songwriting goes, I look forward to being a bit bored with what we did,” he said, smiling. He explained that feeling satisfied with their work allows him to move on to new creative endeavors. “I feel like, once again, with this album, we achieved something,” he added, reinforcing the importance of each album’s unique contribution to their discography.

Insights from the Loudwire Nights Interview

• Touring with Iron Maiden: Eckerström reflected on the unique challenges of being an opening band, describing it as a test of a band’s ability to engage with the audience.
• The Creative Process: He emphasized the importance of chaos in the songwriting phase, allowing individual creativity to flourish before collaborating as a band.
• Bucket List Goals: Eckerström expressed a desire to perform in Japan, noting that Avatar is one of the few Swedish bands yet to play there. He also dreams of organizing a tour in Africa.

Conclusion

As Avatar prepares to embark on a new chapter with “Don’t Go In the Forest,” Eckerström’s reflections on the album’s release reveal the intricate blend of personal investment and artistic expression that defines the band’s music. With anticipation for both the album launch and future creative ventures, Eckerström remains poised to engage with fans and explore new horizons.

FAQs

When was “Don’t Go In the Forest” released?

The album was discussed during the Loudwire Nights interview on October 30, with its release anticipated shortly thereafter.

What does Eckerström mean by ‘letting go’ when releasing an album?

He describes it as a process of sharing deeply personal work with fans and moving on to new creative endeavors.

What are some future goals for Avatar?

Eckerström mentioned a desire to perform in Japan and the possibility of organizing a tour in Africa.